The N2-GEN Arc Suppression System is a Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) nitrogen generator built to protect high-voltage gas-pressurized transmission lines. It supplies a continuous flow of 98%+ pure nitrogen at a -40 to -70°F dew point inside the line. By displacing oxygen, moisture, and contaminants, the system keeps the line dry, preserves its insulating integrity, and prevents voltage arcing.
The TL Series is designed with minimal circuitry and few moving parts to limit failure points and maximize service life. Unlike a dehydrator, there is no desiccant to monitor, recharge, or replace. PSA operation typically requires only one filter change per year.
How the TL Series works
Each generator contains two pressure vessels (adsorption beds) packed with carbon molecular sieve. As compressed air passes through a bed, oxygen molecules are adsorbed onto the sieve while nitrogen passes through to the storage tank. The two beds swing back and forth: one produces nitrogen while the other regenerates. A built-in pressure switch (or transducer on touchscreen units) signals the controller to enter Standby when the storage tank is full and to resume production when tank pressure drops, so the system only runs when nitrogen is needed.
Model lineup
The TL Series spans two controller generations. The original TL-450 and TL-1050 use a simple PLC with a Run/Standby display. The TL-450-Plus, TL-1050-Plus, TL-1825, and TL-1725 use a full-color touchscreen HMI that adds on-screen sensor readings, historical trending graphs, programmable alarms, and (on larger units) advanced options such as an oxygen analyzer, duplex control, and staging.
The TL-450, TL-1050, and both Plus models include an integral oil-free air compressor inside the cabinet. The larger TL-1825 and TL-1725 are fed by an external compressed-air supply through an incoming filter and regulator set.
Key components and features
- Air compressor or incoming air supply. TL-450, TL-1050, and Plus models use an integral oil-free compressor with an intake pre-filter. TL-1825 and TL-1725 run on an external compressed-air supply conditioned by an incoming filter/regulator set.
- Air filters. A 5-micron particulate filter and a 0.1-micron coalescing filter remove particles and moisture downstream of the air source. Both feature auto-drains plumbed to the outside of the cabinet. Larger units add an activated-carbon absorber stage.
- PSA adsorption beds. Two carbon molecular sieve vessels separate nitrogen from compressed air. Beds over 10″ in diameter are ASME certified.
- Controller. A PLC (TL-450/TL-1050) or full-color touchscreen HMI (Plus, TL-1825, TL-1725) sequences the valves, manages cut-in/cut-out, and displays run hours and alarms.
- Safety relief valves. ASME-stamped relief valves are placed throughout the system for over-pressure protection.
- N2 storage tank. Housed inside the cabinet on most models. The TL-450 supplies a separate 100 lb storage tank mounted external to the generator.
- Automatic pressure cut-in/cut-out. The system fills the storage tank, enters Standby when full, and automatically resumes production when tank pressure drops.
- Low-pressure alarm (field-wired). A pressure switch provides an alarm contact, preset at 1 PSIG and adjustable, wired through the supplied leads.
- BlastOff Leak Detection System. Detects the run characteristics of a downstream line leak, triggers an audible alarm and on-screen indication, and provides a dry contact for the building management system.
Optional features (availability varies by model): oxygen analyzer for storage-tank purity verification, EverPure purity-protection technology, duplex control for paired units, staging, data logging, and Ethernet communications. Electrical panels are UL 508A ICP approved.
Specifications
The tables below summarize standard configurations. Engineered and skid-mounted units (TL-1725 / TYP3P) are built to project requirements; refer to the unit detail drawing for specific design data.
| Model | Controller | Installation | Air Supply | N2 Storage Pressure | Outlet Connection |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TL-450 | PLC (Run/Standby) | Wall-mount or floor | Integral oil-free compressor | 60–75 PSIG | 1/2″ NPT female (separate 100 lb tank) |
| TL-1050 | PLC (Run/Standby) | Floor-standing | Integral oil-free compressor | 60–75 PSIG | 1/2″ NPT female |
| TL-450-Plus | Touchscreen HMI | Wall-mounted | Integral oil-free compressor | 65–75 PSIG | 1/4″ OD push-to-connect |
| TL-1050-Plus | Touchscreen HMI | Floor-standing | Integral oil-free compressor | 65–75 PSIG | 1/4″ OD push-to-connect |
| TL-1825 | Touchscreen HMI | Floor-standing | External compressed-air supply | 60–75 PSIG | 1/2″ NPT female |
| TL-1725 | 3.5″ touchscreen | Floor-standing / skid mount | External compressed-air supply | 60–75 PSIG | NPT female |
| Model | Electrical | Ambient Temp | Noise | Cabinet (W × D × H) | Approx. Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TL-450 | 110/220V, 1Φ, 20A | 40–90°F (4–32°C) | < 80 dBA | 12.68″ × 10″ × 29.5″ | 84 lb (+ 75 lb tank) |
| TL-1050 | 110/220V, 1Φ, 20A | 40–90°F (4–32°C) | < 80 dBA | 26″ × 18″ × 59″ | 265 lb |
| TL-450-Plus | 110–220V, 1Φ, 20A | 40–100°F (4–38°C) | < 70 dBA | 12.75″ × 12″ × 27″ | ~100 lb |
| TL-1050-Plus | 110–220V, 1Φ, 20A | 40–100°F (4–38°C) | < 70 dBA | 26″ × 18″ × 59″ | ~265 lb |
| TL-1825 | 110/220V, 1Φ, 20A | 40–100°F (4–38°C) | < 80 dBA | 26″ × 18″ × 59″ | ~245 lb |
| TL-1725 | 110–220V, 1Φ | 40–104°F (4–40°C) | < 90 dBA | Per unit drawing | Per unit drawing |
All models produce 98%+ pure nitrogen. Specifications are subject to change; the unit serial-number and UL information label is the authoritative reference for your generator's voltage and configuration.
Related articles
- TL Series — Site & Utility Requirements
- TL Series — Installation
- TL Series — System Operation (Legacy: TL-450 & TL-1050)
- TL Series — HMI Controls & Operation
- TL Series — Filter Replacement & Preventive Maintenance
- TL Series — Safety Guidelines